Which church is the best?

(or how to chose your church or Christian community)

   This is probably very provocative title for this small concept, we're about to think through. But at the same time it's one of the questions, I get asked the most. And right at the beginning, I have to say that I won't be naming any particular church, or a certain denomination, only the principles, that should help you on the search for your own Christian community.

   First of all, it's needed to be said, that many nowadays Christian churches (denominations)  are only “man made”. For God and for Jesus Christ of Nazareth only exists one church. That includes all the people that believe in God, who dedicated their live to Him and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. In other words, we can read the 2 Timothy 2,19: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His, and let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.   

   If we don't get a vision from God, we can't recognize, whether someone really belongs to God, or is only pretending for some reason. But as we said earlier, God knows those who are truly His, Jesus said very interesting words:

Matthew 7,21-23: Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many works of power in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work out lawlessness.

   From these words, we can already see certain things. First of all, is not enough to keep saying to Jesus: “Lord, Lord” - as this is no guarantee, that we will “end up” in God's kingdom. Secondly, we can see, that there is even no guarantee for those, who perform signs and miracles. On one side, it is possible to start out as a “God's servant”, receive  the Holy gifts from God, and then forget about Him and continue to do your own things and also the “bad one” sometimes emulates the Holy gifts. Jesus said, that the most important thing is, whether this person is doing the will of His Father-God's will.

   From all of the above mentioned verses is obvious, that not everyone, who calls himself a “Christian” really belongs to God and will spend the eternity with Him. Therefore it is obvious, that in church we can probably find true followers of Christ, just as well religious people, who did not give their hearts to God. (Matthew 15,8: These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.). At the same time, it doesn't mean, that we should completely write the church off, and stay alone.

   Why do we need Christian communities?

   There is indeed more reasons for that. One of the good reasons is, that it is what Bible says. We're admonished in the letter to Hebrews:

Hebrews 10,24-25: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting, and so much the more as you see the Day drawing near.

   As you can see, here is also written some of the reasons, why we should not neglect meetings with fellow Christians. We should show interest in one another, support one another in love and good deeds, but also to reproach one another. We need someone to share our faith with, we need to be educated and also teach others, to pray for the needs of others, as well as to receive the help and prayers from other people.

   When you'll be looking for your place among the fellow Christians ( some local Christian fellowship), you should be noticing few basic things, that should help you to avoid the bad or even dangerous assemblies. I will try to offer you basic principals and warnings:

   1) The teachings has to be based on the truth, that is the God's word – the Bible

   Only the Bible is carrying a seal of God's word and it has to be the base for us too. (2 Timothy 3,16-17: All scripture is breathed by God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.) Teaching cannot be in contradiction with the Bible!!!

   Just as the apostle Paul said in the letter to Galatians 1,6-9: I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you into the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another, but there are some who trouble you, even determined to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches  any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

   If you come across some “ Christian” community, where they have as a base something other then Bible (for example some ”revelation”, or simply a teaching that is different from the God's truth found in the Bible), run away!

   No church (meant as a denomination or a Christian community) has a patent for the absolute knowledge of the truth, and therefore you may likely come across some teachings, about which you'll be sure are not in harmony with the Bible. It can really be the case, but also it is possible for you to be wrong.  If it won't be anything serious, you can point that out, talk to the head of the group etc. and choose not to leave because of this matter. If in fact it's something very important, that is clearly in contradiction with what the Bible says, then think really carefully, whether you want to belong to such a community.

   2) You should feel welcomed and comfortable

   That perhaps doesn't seem very spiritual, but it is important. How could you be happy in a community of fellow Christians, if you didn't feel support, understanding, love, but for example: contempt, rejection and hostility?

   3) What you should be especially aware of?

   There are some outlines, that are typical for communities, about which we could say, are more like sects, than God's church.

a) As I already mentioned, nobody has a “patent for truth”  and absolute knowledge. If somewhere someone insisted, that only their church is the true one, be very careful. They're wrong at least in this one point.

b) If in any community they will claim, that the salvation is only possible within their church, it is quite blatant, non-biblical statement. Let's have a look at what the Bible says:

Mark 16,16: He who believes and is immersed will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

   or in some other place:

John 3,17: For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

   As you can see for yourself, it is not up to church, to redeem (save) somebody, as it comes down to our personal decision, it is between us and God. If people are taught something, which is in contradiction with the Bible, and that touches the most important aspect, which is our salvation, we're dealing with a very significant “transgression against the truth”! Keep away from such a community.

c) If is in a certain church required total obedience to their leader or leaders, run away! We all make mistakes, and each and every one of us, will one day face God, and be held accountable for his own life. Do not let yourself be burdened by such a load, so that you for example won't be able to express your own opinion.

d) No community have a right to claim your financial means or possessions.

   If you want to financially support your church, contribute in any way to God's work, it again can only be your own free decision. Do not let yourself to be forced to give up your own possessions, but also for example to pay “ tithing”.
In case paying the “tithing“  is on the other side your expression of gratitude towards God, for everything He has given you, that you understand that all you have, comes from Him, than it is ok. Don't do anything because you feel like you have to, Bible also says:

2 Corinthians 9,7: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, no from sorrow or out of duty; for God loves a cheerful giver.

e) Perhaps you might think, this is a pointless warning, but find out, who is in the community worshipped, and to whom are addressed all the prayers and petitions! Remember what Jesus said, when he was being tempted by satan?

Luke 4,8: And Jesus answered and said to him, Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, You shall do homage to the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.

   Jesus wasn't speaking of himself as of destination, but only as the way to God.

John 14,6: Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NO one comes to the Father except through Me.

   Despite that, there is many communities, where God the Father is not in a first place, but is either identified with Jesus, or where all gratitude, honor and glory, is only given to the Lord Jesus Christ, or where some leaders of a certain groups ( dead or alive) are worshipped. All the gratitude, glory and honor, only belongs to God and to his Son Jesus of Nazareth.

   4) God's presence, changed lives and personalities

   This is not something you can judge during your first visit of some Christian community, but is important, if the living God is present there. It is important, whether people are changing for better. If their personalities are changing towards Jesus's character, which is even more important, than whether signs and miracles are occurring at these meetings. If the people in the church are being healed, set free from demonic possessions, if also rest of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifested (for example. Prophesying, speaking in different languages and their explanation, distinguishing different spirits, performing a powerful acts…), that's great. After all, that's how it looked like during the times of first Christians. Still, the most important aspect is, that the people are turning to God and that their personalities are changed for better.

   At the end, I want to tell you, that it is not as much about the particular denominations, as it is about individuals (like we said before, it's the individuals, that form the church and whom gave their live to God). For that reason, don't judge beforehand any denomination, visit their community, and find out for yourself. It is not easy to find a church, that would firmly stick only to the teachings of the Bible, that would put all the effort into the search and understanding of the truth about God, Jesus of Nazareth and the Holy spirit, that would honestly, from the bottom of the heart longed to become that pure and perfect bride for the Lord Jesus. But do not forget, that if you try to search for the perfect Christian community, you'll end up alone….